Cosmos is a cross-chain protocol that is working to establish a standardized way for blockchains to inter-operate. It has been called the internet of blocchains. Cosmos is building a standardized protocol for multiple blockchains to operate freely together, and allow transfers of value between them. Cosmos is made up of a network of blocckhains called zones. Each of these zones will be powered by a the Tendermint consensus protocol. Cosmos will act as a hub, that ties the zones together and manages their coordination. The Cosomos token called ATOM was released in an ICO that raised $53 million, but it will not be traded until the platform is launched.

IRISnet is a blockchain network that is built on top of Cosmos. It aims to enable the integration of off-chain computing, as well as greater inter-operability across blockchain networks. IRISnet uses the Tendermint protocol as a consensus mechanism.